Discovering hope

Hope lies in unusual places

for those seeking its light

it’s the spark that lingers

in a small child’s smile

it’s a feather that floats, 

when all else falls flat

it’s reflected in our laughter

when a punchline falters

it’s hot pies on grad final eve,

cooked by a friend 

who can't stand the taste

it’s the warmth of family,

sheltering us against a storm

it’s late summer’s raindrops 

that soak drought parched soil

it's radiant ribbons that blaze

and rupture darkened skies 

it’s knowing a candle flickers

where a fresh breeze flows

and hope awaits discovery, 

camouflaged in familiar spaces

it surrounds us,

the whisper concealed 

by a crowd’s cheer

or fragile bloom buried 

amongst sharp thorns

—we simply need to look.